State of Rye City 2013: The Transcript

Rye Mayor Doug French delivered the following Rye City State of the City address to the council and public this evening, January 9, 2013:

2013 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

Douglas French -- Mayor, City of Rye

January 9, 2013 

Good evening to those of you who are here tonight or watching at home.  It is an honor to once again, for the fourth year now, to stand before you as Mayor of the City of Rye and present the State of the City address.  As I represent Rye across Westchester County and New York State, our way of government – volunteers working simply for the benefit of their community continues to be the envy of all others.

In a book about Rye’s history, former Rye Librarian Marcia Dalphin wrote:  “First as a Village and then as a City, Rye has had an efficient government; its Presidents, Mayors, Trustees, Councilmen, (and Committees) have been sincerely devoted to its welfare – men and women with no financial gain, have labored faithfully and long – often at personal sacrifice – to direct their Village into ways of progress, to keep it financially sound, and to make Rye a pleasant place in which to live and bring up children.”

That is Rye.  That is who we are and what we continue to strive to be.  And it works.  In that spirit, 2012 was the year of accomplishment.  The City accomplished a great deal this past year that makes ours a better community, and I want to thank those that serve the City from the paid professionals to the volunteers for their extraordinary efforts, hard work and long hours.  And as we look to 2013, we continue to face challenges from the Great Recession and Mother Nature and threats of the unknown, but the hard work and foundation we have put forth in 2012 and the resilience we have shown has positioned the City for great things in 2013 and beyond.  The State of the City of Rye is strong.

The key to our success and our future rests on 5 fundamental principles:

            1.  A Continued Focus on a Strong Financial Position

            2.  Capital Investment in the Basics

            3.  A Renewed Commitment to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

            4.  Collaborative Relationships with our Institutions and Gov’t Partners

            5.  Increased Management Oversight and Governance

1.  A Continued Focus on a Strong Financial Position

According to a report from the New York State Comptroller, he states --“For the past 5 years the financial trends in our municipalities and school districts have become of heightened concern.”  At a time when grants have dried up, elastic revenues are flat, and assessments have declined, in Rye, we have been the financial stewards by providing property tax relief for our residents, holding the line on expenses and restoring our fund balance.

For the 4^th year in a row, the City has delivered a solid budget that keeps taxes low and continues to deliver the same level of services.  The tax rate increase is 2.7%, well under the New York State property tax levy cap.  The property tax increase for the last 4 years has totaled only 8.1% -- or an average of just 2% per year.  During the period of 1999 to 2009, property taxes rose 6.3% on average per year for 10 years.

The City’s undesignated fund balance (our savings account) is at $4.3M or back to a healthy 14% of the annual operating budget, which is good for the City’s financial position and AAA rating.

The results speak for themselves.  But it does not end there.  We need cost certainty, and in 2013 we hope to have that with our union contracts that have been expired for years.  Fair and affordable labor deals that not only look at salaries, but healthcare is a necessity. The City was pleased to come to agreement with the clerical unit at 0%, 0% and 2% salary increases over the period along with an increase in the cap for healthcare contribution.  The City was also pleased to assist the Rye Free Reading Room in their agreement with their union.  As we plan ahead, the City has engaged its Citizen’s Finance Committee to look at financial and operational issues for long-term financial sustainability.  In our 4-year plan, all things being equal, by 2016 the City could be running at an annual operating deficit of $2.4M.  We will be diligent in exploring all options and will share those with you.

2. Capital Investment in the Basics   

The second key to our success is that we need to continue to focus on capital investment in the basics not only to prevent higher costs in the future, but also to reflect the active nature of our community.

Last year at the SOC, I stood before you and said the City was crumbling.  The City had gone through a period of expansion, building new buildings, but the basic infrastructure, roads, sidewalks and sewers are worn.  After nearly 6,000 votes cast, a record for any bond in recent memory, Rye residents overwhelmingly passed by 3 to 1 the two bond referenda for $1.86M to address critical infrastructure and safety needs in and around our downtown and schools.

The Central Avenue bridge -- Despite years of regulatory and compliance delays with the New York State Department of Transportation who is funding the project, the perseverance of City leadership paid off and we received final approvals, awarded the project and will complete construction this year.

1037 Boston Post Road site – The Council reversed the decision to develop a Police Station/Court House facility at the site for $25M, reviewed zoning options, lease options, and has put the building up for sale.  The City will review bids later this month.

2012 marked the first significant progress toward flood mitigation since the 1940s.  The first phase of the city's flood mitigation plan, the Bowman Avenue Spillway Sluice gate, got final funding, project approvals, and was installed.  The sluice gate will regulate upstream water flow to help flood mitigation efforts.  The second phase is to retain more water upstream, starting behind Bowman Dam.  Fundamental hydrology analysis has been done to identify retention options for future projects and we will continue this year to test and gauge water flows.  Through code enforcement and a resolution from the Council to Boards and Commissions, a heightened awareness was implemented to ensure that individuals and businesses make smarter/safer decisions for preparedness downstream. A Rye Flood committee was established to advise the Council and assist the City in the implementation of the City’s flood mitigation plan and to monitor upstream development.

There were also many pedestrian safety improvements.  Forest Avenue is a regular thoroughfare for walkers, bikers and runners.  This past summer the City re-striped the road to include lane sharrows to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.  The project was funded by the YMCA’s generous grant of $20,000. In addition, a grant of over $200,000, thanks to the YMCA for Safe Routes to Schools Initiatives to include sidewalks and crossings in and around our schools.  The City worked through Federal and County regulatory issues and installed stop signs to allow for safer crossing at Midland Avenue.  The bridge at Old Post Road was widened for safer passage and was funded by Westchester County.

In 2013, we need to look at adding parking to our downtown for shoppers, merchants, residents and commuters.  A decades old problem, and not a simple answer by any means, but it’s time to revisit our options.

3.  A Renewed Commitment to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Irene, Lee, Sandy and Sandy Hook are just a few events that have tested our City.  Our emergency personnel have performed exceedingly well, and it’s imperative that we ensure the best coordination, preparation and communication with our personnel and residents.

We were pleased to work with the Board of Fire Wardens in making changes to the City Charter that aligned both paid and volunteer resources in conjunction with the City Manager and will allow for better coordination in fire services. In addition, our public notification e-mail and text system – nixle.com that complements the reverse 911 phone calls continues to prove effective and we will look to incorporate social media in our communication efforts.  Every Rye resident should sign up for our nixle notification service to stay informed of emergency, public safety, and weather issues.  Further, the City has begun coordinating and implementing a citizen preparedness plan that supplements the City’s emergency preparedness plan so that all residents are better informed well prior to an emergency and can take appropriate action as needed. 

4.  Collaborative Relationships with our Institutions and Gov’t Partners

The fourth principle is to foster the partnerships that make Rye what it is.  Part of why people come here is for the Arts Center, Nature Center, Historical Society, Rye Free Reading Room, YMCA, Rye Town Park, and more.  These relationships have been critical to Rye throughout our history.

A New Direction for Playland – In 1929 the director of Playland announced that he “shall conduct it solely out of consideration for the thousands who come there for wholesome recreation whether or not that runs counter to the complaints of Rye residents.”  Two years ago when the County Executive first announced they were looking at reinventing Rye Playland, the City sought to make sure Rye’s voice was heard.  We established the Rye Playland Strategic Committee to make recommendations on activities that met not only the needs of Rye, but also those of today’s Westchester families.  The result is a proposal with great promise from Sustainable Playland Inc. in which a letter of intent was signed to develop playing fields, restaurants, a field house, ice-skating rink, as well as the preservation of historic amusement rides, Kiddyland and more. 

We support this initiative.  I also think the Council needs to drop its tax assessment lawsuit against the County and Rye Town – in essence suing ourselves -- and work with these entities on these exciting improvements rather than pay lawyers and have the courts decide.  A PILOT or impact fee can easily meet the City’s needs.

Rye Town Park – Most of the financial and operational controls from the Rye Town Park Commission have been fully implemented and the park had a terrific year in terms of user experience and expected financial results.  We have established a capital planning committee to look at opportunities for the park.  I have also called for the Commission and our state representatives to increase Rye’s representation on the RTP Commission equal to our contribution.

Historic preservation – Thanks to our support, the Friends Meeting House and Bird Homestead continued this year to develop and generate a lot of program activity and excitement after years of being dormant.  Further, the historic walking tour from the Rye Historical Society was launched.

The Rye Free Reading Room – Contrary to some parting comments by the Director, the relationship between the City and the Library is very good and reflects the community.  We have invested in capital, increased the annual financial contribution, and assisted in their labor negotiations.  They have been a terrific community partner – and most recently with post Sandy.

Sustainability Committee – This committee has been active in developing the City’s environmental sustainability plan to look at our community carbon footprint, recycling improvements and community education.  Their efforts reflect the growing interests of a broad cross-section of Rye residents.  In addition, the City was the first in Westchester to implement a plastic bag ban ordinance.

5.  Increased Management Oversight and Governance

Governments need to focus on core competencies such as picking up trash and public safety – not running restaurants.  The actions at Rye Golf will prove to be the City’s Madoff moment going back years and has caused real doubt in the Enterprise Fund model because although somewhat autonomous entities, ultimately, it is Rye residents that are accountable for Rye Golf and the Boat Basin. We need to change these structures for increased independent management oversight and governance outside of just the membership by incorporating a separate Board of Directors to oversee operations.  More to come on this as we conduct our management review of these entities.  In addition, the City will be instituting new financial disclosure policies.

So, if we stay on the path of these five key principles, Rye’s future will continue to be bright.  Again thank you to our City Manager Scott Pickup, his management team and the City employees.  In particular, Eleanor Militana who serves both Scott and I, and does a fabulous job.  Thanks to our Corporation Counsel Kristen Wilson who is away tonight and our City Clerk, Dawn Nodarse.  Thank you to our many committees, groups, and organizations -- the volunteers who spend hours advocating for their organizations, serving government committees and planning for our future. 

A special thanks to my colleagues for your public service to Rye.  So, on behalf of the Council, we look forward to 2013, ready to represent you and ready to serve.  Thank you.

Comments

[Doug Dumas' French]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hon3AzMO6vs

I did nothing wrong!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2906eZqxifY

[Jim Jones Was My Hero]

Did Ray Tartaglione just call Mayor French a psychopath??? Desperate times requires desperate measures.

[Jim Jones Was My Hero]

Chrissy,

He can't be the Mayor because he doesn't live in RYE. It's amazing how many people who DO live in RYE and post on this site drink the kool-aid he hands out. It's pretty pathetic but, then again, just look at the people we're talking about.

[D]

WANTED:

Gutless and spineless candidates to run against current City oficials in 2013 Rye City election. Only qualifications are low self-esteem and many skeletons in your closet so if you don't do as I say, I will run you out of town too. Even tho I don't live in town, I think I run it.

[D]

I didn't report to Rye officials that the part of my dock that wasn't "left" was floating somewhere in Milton Harbor putting everyone that uses the harbor at risk. That shows you how much I can be trusted for the safety and well-being of Milton Harbor users.

[Ray Tartaglione]

CHRISSY,
"I needed a Mayor to circumvent the laws or, at least, not obey them so I could force all the rift-raft off Hen Island."
That should read " I need a Mayor that will enforce the law so myself and the rest of Rye will not be jeopardized by the Hen Island rift-raff that does not want to spend the money (like the rest of the us are required to) to protect their neighbors, the health and safety of the public and the environment.

If you think I never supported French watch this one and tell me what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgPPTrlEZbE

I agree with Anne, I think we are dealing with a psychopath!

[Chris Henn]

I suggest Ray Tarfaglione should be our Mayor.. Mayor Midget!! Thats what I say!!

[D]

I hope everyone forgot that I was a huge supporter of Mayor French when he ran for Mayor. Truthfully, I never really supported French, I just campaigned aggressively against Otis in a two candidate election and then claimed I didn't support French. I'll do the same thing in the next Mayoral election. I'll campaign against French but claim neutrality in regards to the other candidate that way I can run him out of town too if he doesn't do exactly what I want. Remember how corrupt Mayor Otis was because he wouldn't circumvent the building codes for my own personal benefit?? That's why I campaigned against Mayor Otis then claimed I never supported Mayor French. Remember that? I figured Mayor French would be easier to influence for my own personal benefit but, I was wrong. I needed a Mayor to circumvent the laws or, at least, not obey them so I could force all the rift-raft off Hen Island. So far I've been thru 2 Mayors, 3 City Managers, 4 Westchester Board of Health Commissioners, 2 building inspectors, 1 City Engineer, SCORES of City Council members and NONE of them ( well maybe Joe Sack ) will circumvent the existing laws for me so I can get what I want. I need a whole new slate of candidates, city officials and BOH officials that I can influence. Just like Mayor Otis, Mayor French was never flexible enough to circumvent the laws for me. Just like the City Managers that preceded him, the current City Manager hasn't seen things my way either. We need to get rid of the Mayor along with the City Manager. We also need to get rid of 6 of 7 City Council members. Isn't there ANYONE out there that I can intimidate and influence??? If I can find those type of people, they would make great city, state and county officials.

[MayorDougFrench Charged W/Building Without Permits]

Mayor French is under a tremendous amount of pressure and has been since this time last year after he was exposed for his illegal Building Department and STAR Tax issues. The public is seeing a Mayor that has cheated, lied and stolen from the taxpayers of Rye for years.

We are now seeing example after example of how he has failed to protect the health and safety of the public in an effort to further his own political and personal agendas. He has jeopardized the jobs of many hard working Rye City employees by asking them to cover him in his underhanded efforts. We have recently seen examples of hard working concerned citizens that have resigned from committees and employees that have quit high paying city jobs to avoid involvement. He has now resorted to threatening reporters that publicly report on his inappropriate behavior and activities.

The pressure is taking a toll on the Mayor and we are not sure yet of the depths of his involvement in the RGC fiasco… Look at the fact that he cannot even complete a thought in his letter to Leon Sculti and he is now going after his fellow council members in addition to the GOP hands that feed him.... I believe we should publicly call for him to resign so we may return the City of Rye back to where it belongs, a law abiding community that enforces all the laws that protect the health and safety of the entire public.

http://www.lausdeo10580.com/lausdeo10580/2012/12/we-will-continue-to-keep-an-eye-on-your-behavior-toward-city-employees.html

[tedc]

Sandy P - only by speaking up will change occur. As you read this the Rye political class insiders are quietly gauging how to best retain their privileges and protect their city hall influence peddlers because - word has it - that ugly truths are soon to be officially revealed about Rye Golf management and oversight. And blame spreaders are poised to go into hyperdrive. Pathetic.

This municipal malfeasance mudslide actually can't come soon enough and in fact didn't come soon enough for Andrew Dapolite or Bob Schubert. At least Andrew is still with us and we can make it up to him some time.

Tell your other half that what he should be afraid of is if the clean up effort we started at a grass roots non partisan level in 2008 is delayed any further through additional subterfuge. Every time bad actors succeed in crushing good guys they get bolder. Your other half should know that already anyway.